The Federal Government has unveiled plans to introduce a new long-acting HIV prevention injection, Lenacapavir, as part of efforts to fast-track the elimination of HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the move underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s HIV response through innovation, expanded prevention strategies, and increased domestic funding.
He made the disclosure on Monday at a media briefing organised by the National HIV, Viral Hepatitis and STDs Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
According to Salako, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains dedicated to tackling HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that prioritises prevention, treatment, and care.
Nigeria has been selected by the Global Fund as one of nine early adopter countries for the rollout of Lenacapavir as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), with implementation set to begin in January 2026.
The minister revealed that about 52,000 doses of the injectable drug have already been secured for the initial phase.
Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral administered once every six months, is expected to address challenges associated with daily oral PrEP, particularly adherence issues among high-risk groups.
Nigeria currently has the second-largest HIV burden globally, with an estimated 1.9 million people living with the virus, according to the National Agency for the Control of AIDS. Although prevalence has declined in recent years, new infections remain a significant concern.
Health experts have identified prevention as the weakest link in the country’s HIV response, noting that uptake of oral PrEP has been hindered by stigma, limited access, and the difficulty of maintaining daily medication.
Salako described the introduction of Lenacapavir as a major step forward, especially for vulnerable populations at higher risk of infection.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the programme, Adebobola Bashorun, said efforts are underway to expand access to the drug across more states.
He explained that the government is exploring additional funding options to increase supply and broaden coverage for at-risk populations.
Bashorun added that the new injection would complement existing prevention methods rather than replace them, stressing that oral PrEP will still be available as part of a range of options guided by national policy.
On safety, he noted that reported side effects have been mild, mostly limited to injection-site reactions such as pain, with ongoing monitoring showing encouraging results.
Salako further disclosed that the rollout is being supported through a partnership with the Global Fund, adding that the government is also considering long-term strategies such as engaging manufacturers directly and exploring local production.
He said discussions around technology transfer and domestic manufacturing would be key to ensuring sustainability and reducing reliance on external donors.